Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-04-14
myself by learning your language

myself by learning your language
ut is so, it is So" said the chorus.
"Only, my lord" put in the old gentleman,
thou hast learned it very badly
L cast an indign ant glance at him and he
quailed.
Now, friends" I continued, 'ye might
think that after so long a journey we should
find it in our hearts to avenge such recep-
tiOn mayhap to strike cold in death the i'm
pious hand that-that, in short-threw a
knife at the head of him whose teeth come
and go.'
Spare him. my lords" said the old man
in supplication; ''he is the kings son, and |
am his uncle. 1t anything befalls him his
blood viii be required at my hands,
"Yes, that is certainly So" put in tie
young man with great emphasis.
"You may perhaps doubt our power to
avenge," [ went on. needless of this by
play. ''Stay. will show you. Here, you
dog and slave addressing Umbopa in a
savage tone), ''give me the magic tube that
Speaks" and tipped a wink toward my ey-
press rifle.
Umbopa rose to the occasion, and with
something as nearly resembling grin as |
had ever seen on his dignied face, handed
me the rifle.
ut is here, oh, lord Of lords" he said,
with a deep obeisance.
Now, just before l asked for the rifle
had perceived little klipspringer antelope
standing on 4 mass Of rock about seventy
yards away, and determined to risk shot at
it.
''Ye see that buck" I said, pointing the
animal out to the party before me. Tell
me, is it possible for MN, born of woman,
to kill it from here with a noise?"
at is not possible, my lord" answered the
old man.
yet shall I kill it." said 1, quietly.
The old man smiled. THAT my lord can
not d." he said.
l raised the rifle, and covered the buck i.
was small animal, and one which one
might well be excused for missing, but
knew that it would not do to miss.
l drew q deep breath, and slowly pressed
on the trigger. The buck stood still as stone.
Bang thudv' The buck sprang into the
air and fell on the rock dead as a door-nail.
A groan Of terror burst from the group be-
fore us.
'If We want meat" l remarked, coolly,
''go fetch that buck"
The old man made sign, and one of his
followers departed, and presently returned
bearing the kIipspringer. [ noticed, with
satisfaction, that l had hit it fairly behind
the shoulder. They gathered round the poor
creatures body, gazing at the bullet-hole in
CONSERVATION.
"Ye see,o T said, Il do not speak empty
words"
There was no answer.
IF We yet doubt our power" | went on,
"let one OF We so stand upon that rock that
may make him as this buck.''
None of them seemed at all inclined to
take the hint, till at last the kings son
spoke.
1t is well said. Do thou, my uncle, go
stand upon the rock. 1t is but buck that
the magic has killed. Surely it cannot kill a
man."
The old gentleman did not take the sug-
geStiOn in good part. Indeed, he seemed
hurt.
NO! nor he calculated, hastily, my old
eyes have seen enough. These are wizards,
indeed. Let us bring them to the king. Yet
If any should wish a further proof let him
stand upon the rock, that the magic tube
may speak with him."
There was most general and hasty ex-
preston Of dissent.
Let not good magic be. wasted ON our
poor bodies" said one, 1--WE are satisfied.
All the witchcraft of our people cannot
show the like of this"
lit is So" remarked the old gentleman, in
a tone of intense relief; without any doubt
it is SO. Listen, children of the stars, child
rem of the shining eye and the movable
teeth, who roar out in thunder and Stay from
afar. | am InfadoOs, son of Kafa, once king
Of the KukHana people. This youth is
Scragga."
HE nearly scragged me-" murmured
Good.
''Seragga, SON OF Twala, the great king
Twala, husband Of thousand wives, chief
and lord paramount Of the Kukuanas, keeper
Of the great road, terror Of his great enemies,
student of the black arts, leader of an hum
bred thousand warriors. Twala the One-eyed,
the Black, the Terrible"
So" said l, superciliously, 'lead us. thea
TO Twala. We do not talk with low people
and underlings."
ut is well, my lords. we will Lead you, but
The way is long. We are hunting three days
journey from the place of the king. But BED
my lords have patience. and we will lead
.hem."
Toese continued